“not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver"
It has been said that “God loves a cheerful giver, but he’ll take the giving of a grouch.” This old line might be funny sometimes but it’s not true. In fact, I’ve said many, many times in sermons that if you have not given yourself over to the leadership and forgiveness of Christ in your life, then you might even want to hold off on your giving. God wants you, not your money.
On the other hand, if you are a Christ follower, God will take steps to grow you.
I did not start out as a cheerful giver. In my first year of following Christ at the age of 32 I learned about tithing.
"A tithe of everything . . . belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
Therefore I began to tithe (10% of my gross), but I wasn’t doing it cheerfully! In fact I gave 10% to penny, and not one penny more! But, once I started I began to feel glad that I started. It felt like a sacrifice (even though it wasn’t because it’s all God’s anyway), but over time I began to discover that I was living just fine on the 90% that God had left me. Over still more time I began to be a happy giver and today I look forward to giving over and above to God’s causes.
Sometimes it takes simple, raw obedience to kick start the growth of God’s Heart within us.
That is so true. Someone once told me the correct translation for cheerful in that scripture is hilarious. Maybe that is because tithing is a big step in learning of God's faithfulness. The more we experience of our Father's faithfulness, the more we trust Him. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He will do just fine without my tithes and offerings, but I won't. The more He shows His faithfulness, the better I know Him, the better I know Him, the more I love Him and long to please Him. It is an ever increasing spiral into His love. He rewards my obedience with the joy of experiencing His pleasure, in turn, obedience isn't a chore or sacrifice, I do it cheerfully, maybe even hilariously.
ReplyDeleteI really am struggling with the idea of 10%. Not so much that I cant' afford to give that much or that I would give and not be cheerful, more towards, I feel that I am being told to give that much or else is the best way I can put it. Something just does't feel right. I looked up some sites online that discuss this topic, here is one that I thought might be credible - http://www.layhands.com/MustChristiansTitheTenPercent.htm - can I get some guidance on this matter?
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ReplyDeleteGod doesn't need your money,giving isn't for Him, it is for us. There is a song I taught Sunday School children years ago "He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay, I needed someone to wash my sins away, and now I sing a brand new song "Amazing Grace" for Jesus Christ paid a debt I could not pay." Everything I have is from His hand, my giving comes from a heart filled with gratitude. Maybe instead of fretting about percentages you could look at what you've received, decide what it's worth and make your decisions from that perspective.For me, a tithe isn't enough.
I understand the struggle that "Anonymous #2" brings up. And I greatly appreciate the input from "Anonymous #3". It is a frequent trap to take a legalistic view of giving - how much to give and who to give to - there are differing interpretations. This is about our gift, not a tax. If it was a legalistic requirement, it is a tax. I think Jeff has been consistent in looking at 10% as a guide yet better to consider that which is a sacrifice, driven by your heart desire to give back to our LORD what is already His. This may be less than 10%, it may be more. Thank you so much Anon #2 for bringing up what is on so many hearts...
ReplyDeleteLuke 39 has been used as the 'poster verse' for tithing, however there is more to be considered here. In asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and by being ready to be flexible in our giving; meaning ready to follow the Spirit's leading, giving can truly be a heartfelt affair.
ReplyDeleteLuke 39's point isn't to 'tithe', it is to watch one's heart. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us to give what 'we have decided' to give, not out of compulsion but out of consideration. The Pharisees had decided ten percent is what they should give, and that is why Jesus was telling them to continue doing this, not necessarily because he wanted them to stop at ten percent! He knew why they held this up as a banner for all to see, he knew their hearts and he went to the heart of the matter, so to speak-
If I may, some alternate suggestions for the questions asked on the giving card:
-Are you willing to give 'in secret' not before men?
-Are you giving what you give cheerfully? Willingly?
-Have you prayed over what and when to give?
-Do you seek first justice and the love of God as priority? 2 Cor 8:3
-How would you feel towards your neighbor, if you knew he didn't give at all, would you still feel he deserves 'a place at the table'?
-Do you secretly wish others knew how much you gave?
-Is giving a sacrifice or a task to you?
just some thoughts...
grace-
I'm sorry, its Luke 11:39
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